January 24, 2008
Bob Hooper Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

MARYLAND MOURNS THE LOSS OF SENATOR BOB HOOPER

"I've lost a good friend and co-worker. Someone who brought 10 lifetime's of positive influence to our community, its people, and its history." Senator Nancy Jacobs

ANNAPOLIS— On Thursday January 24, 2008, former Maryland State Senator J. Robert Hooper passed away at the age of 71 after a courageous fight against cancer. Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:

"It is with great sadness that we learned of Senator Bob Hooper's death last evening. A native of Bel Air, Senator Hooper had a distinguished record of service in public life and in his community. He had a special place in his heart for Maryland's children, veterans, and those in need. He served on the board of the Salvation Army, was active in his church, and was named 'Man of the Year' by the Knights of Columbus."

"Senator Bob Hooper was a man of strength and courage in his fight against cancer. He inspired those around him and maintained his sense of humor and wit throughout his struggle. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Shirley, his four children, and his six grandchildren. His wonderful legacy lives on in our hearts and in our communities."

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January 25, 2008: This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff immediately. This is in memory of Former Senator Robert Hooper, of Harford County, Maryland, who died on January 24, 2008. The flag shall continue to be flown at half staff until sunset on the day of the funeral. This office will send an additional notice when the date of the funeral is released.

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(Street, MD – January 24, 2008) - - Former Maryland State Senator J. Robert "Bob" Hooper passed away at home tonight (Thursday, January 24, 2008) from colon cancer. He was 71.

The son of the late J.M. Hooper and Virginia Phillips Haugh was born in Baltimore and grew up in Pylesville. He attended the old Highland Elementary School, and graduated from Bel Air High School. Soccer played an important role in his childhood. As a smaller boy, Hooper prided himself in his ability to keep up and play with the older boys because of his “hard-nosed” nature and dogged determination to win. He would continue to play throughout his life, and was instrumental in helping create Harford County’s first youth Soccer League.

On September 1, 1954, with a little bit of financing and a lot of hard work, Hooper founded Harford Sanitation Services, Inc (HSS). Hooper grew the company from one truck and two employees to a company that boasts a fleet of over 50 trucks and employs nearly 120 people. Having operated for more than 50 years, HSS has become an easily recognized and well-respected business in the Harford County community.

In addition to running his business, Hooper was highly involved in state and local politics. In 1998, he was elected to the State Senate to represent the people of the 35th Legislative District. He was easily re-elected to that seat two more times in 2002 and 2006. Bob prided himself in being a Christian legislator, who focused on developing common sense solutions to today’s problems. Amongst his legislative accomplishments were an act to require medical providers in Harford County to alert the authorities when they receive a patient with injuries inflicted by a deadly weapon, an act requiring for profit institutions of higher education to disclose that their degrees and credits may not easily transfer to traditional colleges, and an act establishing the first ever requirement that schools disclose contaminated water to parents. Prior to serving in the Senate, Hooper served two full terms on the Harford County Council representing District D.

Hooper’s service to the community, however, was not centered around politics. He was an active member of Fawn Grove Church of the Nazarene, where he served on the church board and taught Sunday school. His strong faith and sense of duty also called him to participate in many work and witness trips to Central America and New York City following 9/11. Around Christmastime, it was not uncommon to see Bob outside the Harford Mall ringing Bells for Salvation Army. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army since 1985.

Believing in the value of providing our youth with a strong foundation, Hooper supported many organizations that provided positive outlets for our children. As an elected official, Hooper often bragged that his favorite part of the job was attending Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies. He truly believed in Scouting and the values it promoted. Each July, Hooper demonstrated his support of the 4-H program with his attendance at the livestock sale. Never one for spending too much, Hooper broke that rule at this event each year. He often bought a number of steer and hogs to support the 4-Hers and gave the meat to his employees at HSS. Hooper also served as a volunteer in the Best Buddies and Big Brothers programs.

Other community organizations Hooper supported include the Jaycees, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, the Route 40 Business Association, Mason-Dixon Business Association, and the Harford County Republican Club.

Hooper’s life of service has been recognized and honored by many organizations. He is the recipient of the Knight’s of Columbus Man of the Year Award, the Virginia Scotten Award, the Harford County Living Treasure Award and an Honorary Membership in the Maryland Student Legislature, a non-partisan organization that promotes active participation in the democratic process amongst college students.

He is survived by Shirley Hooper (nee Cullum), his wife of 50 years. The two were married on Christmas Eve 1957, because it was Shirley’s favorite day of the year. In addition to his wife, Hooper is survived by his children Bobby and Terri Hooper of Street; Cindy and Ben Hushon of Delta, PA; Terrie and Mike Fraer of Abingdon; Scott and Tammy Hooper of Delta, PA; 6 grandchildren and 6 step-grandchildren.

Some Special Photos